All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.
When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.
ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.
Clown Knifefish (Chitala chitala)
Description:
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Appearance:
- Body: Elongated, ribbon-like body with a smooth, streamlined shape.
- Color: Pale or silver body with distinctive black or dark bands running horizontally along its length, which may resemble a clown's stripes.
- Size: Can grow up to 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) in length in captivity.
- Distinctive Feature: Notable for its striking pattern and graceful swimming style. The fish’s long, undulating fins contribute to its unique appearance.
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Behavior:
- Activity: Generally nocturnal; more active during the evening and night. They are relatively sedentary during the day and may hide or seek shelter.
- Social Structure: Solitary by nature but can tolerate other large, peaceful species in a sufficiently large tank.
Care Requirements:
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Tank Size:
- Minimum: 150 gallons (568 liters) for a single fish. Larger tanks are preferable to accommodate their size and swimming needs.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C). They prefer warm water but can tolerate slight fluctuations.
- pH: 6.0-7.5. Slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
- Filtration: Strong filtration is essential. Ensure good water circulation to maintain clean and oxygenated water. The filter should be capable of handling the tank's volume and maintaining water quality.
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Tank Setup:
- Substrate: Fine gravel or sand is preferable. Smooth substrates help avoid injury.
- Aquascaping: Provide plenty of hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, and plants. Clown Knifefish appreciate a well-decorated tank that mimics their natural habitat. Ensure there are places where they can retreat during the day.
- Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable. They are more active during low-light conditions, so bright lights are not necessary.
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Diet:
- Primary Food: Carnivorous; feed high-quality sinking pellets or live/frozen foods such as bloodworms, chopped shrimp, and small fish.
- Supplemental Food: Offer occasional treats like earthworms or small crustaceans to provide variety.
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Behavioral Considerations:
- Compatibility: Peaceful with other large, non-aggressive fish. Avoid smaller tank mates that may be considered prey or become stressed by the knifefish's presence.
- Social Behavior: Generally solitary and may not tolerate conspecifics well in confined spaces. Best kept alone or with other large, peaceful species.
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Tank Maintenance:
- Water Changes: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are crucial to maintain water quality and remove waste.
- Cleaning: Clean the tank regularly, including removing uneaten food and detritus. Ensure the filtration system is properly maintained.
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Health Care:
- Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like discoloration or lesions.
- Treatment: Maintain optimal water conditions and consult an aquarium professional if health issues arise. Common problems include skin infections and parasites. Early intervention is important for effective treatment.